Selecting the read aloud

· Young children have difficulty separating fact from fiction, so carefully select books with the most accurate information.
· Select an appropriate book based on a specific reading purpose: concept background, exploring author's craft, introduction of key vocabulary, looking at science process or the life of scientists, or some other clearly defined purpose.
· Choose a book or section of a book that lends itself to being read aloud that supports your goal or purpose.
o Does the text flow?
o Is the topic engaging?
o Are there opportunities for stopping points to wonder aloud?
o Does the text inspire questions?
· Locate relevant artifacts, illustrations or other hands-on materials that might support the text and foster student questions.
· Think about connections to other literature-- by this author, on this topic or in this genre. Collect related books for classroom reading display.

Planning the read aloud

· Think about the focus for your read aloud. Identify any key words or concepts to discuss in context as you read the text. Mark "talking points" where you want to:
o stop and reflect or ask questions.
o support the target skill or purpose.
· Develop open-ended questions to stimulate students’ minds and imaginations.
· Use the questions to keep children involved in the book.
· Plan related activities to follow or precede the read aloud.